AN ILL-FATED Minchinhampton play area that has been in the pipeline for 10 years was finally opened this weekend.

The multi-purpose ball court, with facilities for football, netball and basketball near Summerfield Road has finally been built in memory of community campaigner Bradley Stephens, who died of a heart attack in 2003.

Bradley, who was 60 when he died, worked with the Hampton Wave Residents' Association to improve facilities for those living on the Woolaways Estate.

After his death the committee vowed to go ahead with the play area in his memory but when Stroud District Council froze funding in June - while councillors decided whether to use the money to refurbish houses - the project almost came to an end.

Luckily funding was granted in September and the £49,000 ball court was finally built.

Now it has been officially opened, the play area, funded jointly by SDC's environment fund and Living Spaces at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, will be leased to Minchinhampton Parish Council and run by a management committee.

On Saturday MP David Drew, Forest Green Rovers manager Gary Owers and vice-chair Colin Gardner officially launch the court.

Janet Kirby, joint chair of the residents' association, said it was a relief the area was finally finished.

"After all this time we're absolutely delighted with the results. This has been a real community effort and thanks to everyone who helped to make it a reality," she said.

But Mrs Kirby admitted that getting the play area hasn't been easy.

She added: "It just doesn't feel as though it's real because it's been going on for so long. Up to last week we weren't even sure if the launch would go ahead so it's been fated all the way through but hopefully that isn't of a sign of how it will go on."

Cllr John Jeffreys, cabinet member for housing said: "This is a fitting memory to Bradley who worked tirelessly for tenants across the district. I hope it will be enjoyed for years to come."